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Five Found Dead Inside Middletown Home

by Blue Crush | April 18, 2009 at 09:38 am

870 views | 67 Recommendations | 9 comments

UPDATE:

Christopher Alan Wood, 34, apparently killed his 2 sons, daughter and his wife, Francis, before turning a gun on himself.

The boys, 4 and 5 years old, were found dead in their beds and the daughter, 2, was found with her mom, Francie Billotti Wood, 33, in the master bedroom. The children and the mother had "severe lacerations and cut wounds," but the cause of their death has not yet been confirmed.

Wood reportedly shot himself at the foot of the bed where his wife and daughter's bodies were found. At least four handwritten notes, and several weapons, including a shotgun, have been found inside the home.

"These are horrific incidents," said Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins. "No one should ever have to be exposed to this. In my entire career, just about 20 years, this is probably the worst tragedy I've ever been a part of or ever seen in Frederick County."

Link to story on CNN.

____________________________________________________________________________

MIDDLETOWN, Md. - At least five people have been found dead this morning by a relative in this small, rural town in Frederick County, Maryland. Police are now on the scene.

Identities of the deceased and cause of death has not yet been released. The victims are believed to be a man, woman, and three children.

A press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m.

The caller told police that they found five bodies in a home in the first block of Washington Street on Saturday morning. When deputies went to the scene at about 9:09 a.m., they found the bodies inside the residence.

After making a preliminary investigation, deputies secured the home until a search warrant could be obtained. Investigators said it’s believed that the victims were all family members.

Crime scene investigators and detectives are at the home, as well as agents from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County.

Anyone with information is asked to call 301-600-1046.

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Blue Crush

at 10:50 on April 18th, 2009

Thanks, Cypresso, for helping on this. Another unfortunate sign of the times, I fear, where people use murder/suicide to solve their short term problems...

Jacen (not verified)

at 11:38 on April 18th, 2009

What makes you say murder-suicide, other than speculation? While it is the 1st thing that came to my mind, because I actually know Francie, I'm from Middletown, my brother lives the next street over from Washington, and I can't find confirmation on ANY other details.

Blue Crush

at 11:46 on April 18th, 2009

I'm just speculating too, Jacen. That's why I said "I fear" - this is happening so much lately. I feel so sorry for their family and friends.

Amy Judd

at 12:00 on April 18th, 2009

Oh no, I hope this isn't a case of a murder suicide.

Blue Crush

at 12:21 on April 18th, 2009

Nothing on the press conference yet. A neighbor says the family has rented the house since last fall, and the children all appear to be under six.

Pythiian1

at 13:29 on April 18th, 2009

What a horror.

Thanks, Blue Crush, for being so alert.

JeffHuang

at 14:22 on April 18th, 2009

Thanks for the story and keeping us updated Blue Crush.

albertacowpoke

at 15:54 on April 18th, 2009

They reported on Global TV Edmonton that the male had a self-inflicted gunshot wound. the remaining victims apparently had multiple stab wounds. That would be what the evidence is based on.

albertacowpoke

at 16:07 on April 18th, 2009

I feel for the family seeing such needless losses. These children had granparents, aunts and uncles. What a waste.

jazzyzazzy

at 16:22 on April 18th, 2009

Desperate people do desperate things sometimes. The current climate of society is desperate. So very very sad I can feel a lump in ma throat for it could have been anyones family.